If pizza tops your list of favorite foods, you're not alone. Pizza is a dish that's loved and enjoyed worldwide. However, a similar dish known as a flatbread is not far behind it. While some individuals lump flatbread into the pizza category, others believe they are two entirely different dishes. If you're searching for the truth and wondering, "is flatbread a pizza?" keep reading. This article will dive into the specifics of the debate on pizza and flatbread and their differences.
How to make flatbread? The most basic flatbread recipe starts with just 3 ingredients: water or a liquid like milk or yogurt, flour, and salt. Other flatbread dough variations include a fat like olive oil or butter. Is flatbread healthy? Yes! It’s one of the healthiest breads you can make because it's low in calories and fat but high in fiber.
Flatbread vs. Pizza
Before we discuss the difference between flatbread and pizza, let's take a closer look at what they are. What is flatbread? Flatbread is commonly described as a type of bread that is used worldwide. It is made of flour, water and salt, and the dough is flattened into a thin rectangular shape. Most flatbreads are unleavened, meaning they do not contain yeast. However, there are certain exceptions, like pita bread in which the dough is slightly leavened. Naan bread, roti and poori are additional examples of flatbreads.
Pizza is made by topping a yeasted dough with cheese and tomato sauce and baking it in an extremely hot oven, producing a crisp crust. Though cheese and sauce are the two most popular pizza ingredients, other toppings like olives, mushrooms, meat and vegetables can also be used to make pizza.
Is Flatbread a Pizza?
While pizza is a flatbread, not all flatbread are pizza! Many countries and cultures feature their own flatbread.
Methods of Making Flatbread and Pizza
There are also differences in how both flatbread and pizza are made. Two main cooking methods are responsible for producing either a flatbread-like or a pizza-like thickness and texture.
Method 1: Yeast
If you're using a yeast-based recipe, you're likely making pizza dough (although other flatbread including pita also contain yeast). With yeast in the mix, you'll need to set aside significantly more prep time for. To cook a yeast-based recipe, the yeast must be handled appropriately and allowed to rise and fall while the gluten activates.
Method 2: Par-Baking
Par-baking is when you place the dough into the oven for a few minutes before adding the toppings and baking it thoroughly. This process allows the final bake to create a crispier texture. It also allows you to prepare the dough days before you need it, providing you with the flexibility to cook flatbread whenever you'd like.
Notable Differences Between Flatbread and Pizza
Besides unleavened dough, there are many other notable differences between flatbread and pizza. If you're still unsure about what differentiates flatbread and pizza, keep scrolling.
Toppings
When trying to determine if you're enjoying a flatbread or pizza, take a look at the toppings. Generally, flatbreads tend to boast more creative toppings than pizzas do. Most chefs have certain expectations to live up to when making a pizza recipe. And most guests already know what they want. When making a flatbread, chefs can experiment and get creative with the toppings because customers are not expecting a specific dish. The sauces on flatbreads range from tomato and alfredo to balsamic glaze, and the flatbread toppings may include everything from dried fruit, fresh mozzarella cheese, red onion, pepperoni, fresh basil, cherry tomatoes,balsamic vinegar, parmesan cheese, goat cheese,your favorite pizza sauce, or your favorite pizza toppings.
Shape
One of the things that makes pizza so iconic is its round shape. Small, medium and large pizzas are often round and sliced into pie-style slices. That being so, large pizzas may also be served in a rectangular shape and cut into squares. On the other hand, flatbread is served in a variety of shapes and sizes. Because they typically feature a more rustic finish, they may be rectangular, ovular, or oblong. Flatbreads are usually smaller than pizzas and are enjoyed as an appetizer before a more filling meal.
Flatbread Recipes
Knowing the difference between flatbread and pizza plays a crucial role in great flatbread making. Put your baking skills to the test and try out one of the delicious easy flatbread pizza recipes below. You’re sure to love these homemade pizza recipes.
Mini Cheese Tomato Flatbreads
If you're new to making flatbreads and searching for a quick-to-make flatbread pizza recipe that everyone at the table will enjoy, then these Mini Cheese Tomato Flatbreads are the perfect dish. Made with Bob's Red Mill Garbanzo Bean Flour, they're loaded with protein and flavor and are the ideal snack for feeding a group or post-workout fuel. Plus, these mini flatbreads are gluten free which means that everyone can enjoy a bite.
Cassava Flatbread
Easy to make and even easier to eat, this Cassava Flatbread recipe is the perfect way to switch up your weekly menu. This flatbread's subtle flavor and chewy texture mean that you can combine it with sweet and savory ingredients for a great-tasting finish. Serve this flatbread with seasonal vegetables or treat it like a pizza and top it with cheese and tomato sauce. No matter the toppings, this flatbread crust is bound to be delicious.
Whole Wheat Yogurt Flatbread
Take your flatbread-making skills to the next level and serve this Whole Wheat Yogurt Flatbread at your next gathering. The ideal light meal or appetizer, this flatbread is made with our whole wheat flour and whole milk yogurt to create a thin crust perfect for all of your favorite toppings. For an undeniably good flavor, we've paired this flatbread with olive oil ricotta and corn salsa—all of which come together in just about half an hour.
Easy Chickpea Flatbread with Vegetables
Load your next flatbread crust up with in-season vegetables to make a flatbread recipe that you can feel good about eating. Adding flavorful and nutritious veggies like tomato, mushroom and asparagus to your diet is an excellent way to ensure that you're meeting your nutritional needs. For a bit of inspiration, follow this Easy Chickpea Flatbread with Vegetables Recipe. Made with our Chickpea Flour, it's a grain-free dish that nearly everyone can enjoy. Simple to make and delicious, this is one recipe that you'll want to make weekly.
Bacon and Goat Cheese Mixed Greens Flatbread
When making flatbread at home, you get to choose the ingredients added. This being so, you can adjust the toppings to fit your taste preferences and nutritional needs. If you're someone who loves a blend of sweet and salty flavors, then a flatbread like this Bacon and Goat Cheese Mixed Greens Flatbread is sure to catch your interest. In this recipe, the exotic taste of goat cheese is mixed with salty bacon and fresh greens to create the perfect balance of flavors. Bake up this flatbread for your next date night, or serve it as an appetizer at a dinner party. No matter who you enjoy this flatbread with, they will surely be impressed.
Grain Free Focaccia
If you're putting together an Italian-themed dinner, you will want to add focaccia to the menu. A traditional Italian flatbread, focaccia tastes delicious when enjoyed alone or served alongside flavorful sauces and soups. To create a focaccia bread that everyone can take a bite of, make this Grain Free Focaccia. Packed with flavor and free of grains, this flatbread can be made in minutes using our Grain Free Flatbread Mix. Then, top it off with garlic, red pepper flakes, parsley and olive oil for a truly mouthwatering treat.
Gluten Free Flatbread Pizza Crust
While we've determined that flatbread and pizza crust are different, it doesn't mean they can't be used in similar ways. If you're looking to make pizza night a bit lighter, use this Gluten Free Flatbread Pizza Crust instead of a traditional crust. Add your favorite toppings for an effortless meal the whole family can enjoy.
Knowing the difference between flatbread and pizza plays a crucial role in your flatbread journey. Though the two breads may be similar, understanding their differences will help you make the most of each dish. Use the recipes above as inspiration when making your next homemade flatbread recipe. From bacon and goat cheese to focaccia, we're confident that there's a recipe that everyone will enjoy.
Do you enjoy making flatbread at home? We'd love to hear more about how you use flatbread regularly. Share your favorite flatbread recipes with us in the comments below.
